All Membership Classes Award Winners

The campaign was very original - encouraging readers to make the most of seed money to benefit others. With tremendous response and a huge variety of ideas, the cam-paign brought community awareness, stewardship and sharing to the Lenten period of reflection.

A10Best Online/Multi-Media Presentation of VisualsFirst Place The Catholic Review, Baltimore, Md., “In the Spotlight” by Richard Ihle & Binod Puri Catholic Review’s “In the Spotlight” feature on their homepage gives a good focal point for visitors and gives them a nice choice of local stories. Additional photos and stories could easily be presented in this fashion and would make a nice addition to the site.

A11aIndividual ExcellenceWriter/Editor (English language only)First Place Clarion Herald, New Orleans, La., Peter Finney, Jr. A conversational style is a hallmark of the columns Finney submitted and makes them imminently readable. And the lessons they contain — sometimes small, some-times overwhelming — make reading them worthwhileFirst Place The Catholic Spirit, St. Paul, Minn., Maria WieringAppealing leads draw the reader in while well-writ-ten details with solid color describing the individual’s plight — and highlighting the bigger issues — keep one engrossed. A great blog includes concise, informative entries that frame the legislative debates within the Cath-olic perspective.Third Place The Tennessee Register, Nashville, Tenn., Theresa Lau-rence, Laurence takes on some great topics, and she does them

well. Nice transitions and appropriately chosen quotes are key to her engaging writing styleHonorable Mention Eastern Oklahoma Catholic, Tulsa, Okla., Marilyn Duck

A11bIndividual ExcellencePhotographer/ArtistFirst Place ONE Magazine, New York, N.Y., Daria Erdosy

The combination of strong photojournalism with effective use of graphics and layout made these entries clearly stand out. The photography is story-telling and compelling.First Place Eastern Oklahoma Catholic, Tulsa, Okla., Dave Crenshaw Although the lay-out here was a little heavy with back-ground color, the basic design worked well with the photos which nicely fill out this double-truck lay-out. The package would have been enhanced if there were 1 to 2 less images, and if the combination of the headline / photographic (at bottom left of lay-out) were done a little more subtly.Third Place Catholic Courier, Rochester, N.Y., Mike Crupi While many may view the use of a silhouette in a photo illustration as cliché, this image was well executed, and is displayed in a clean, straight forward way. Sometimes the most effective design is simple.

A11cIndividual ExcellenceAdvertising/Business/Marketing ProfessionalFirst Place Acadiana Catholic, Lafayette, La., Patrick Breaux This is a can’t miss piece! It stands out from all other media kits – and delivers its message effectively. The beau-tifully executed box makes the receiver want to open it. The gift and the high quality piece inside are keepers. Kudos!Second Place Acadiana Catholic, Lafayette, La., Patrick Breaux I was blown away by the hurricane guide - in a good way! It is elegant blend of useful information and relevant adver-tising. The appropriate, non-sensational cover introduces a thoughtfully laid out piece. I would be thrilled with it if I was an advertiser!Third Place Acadiana Catholic, Lafayette, La., Patrick Breaux Simple, colorful and fun! There were flashier and more expensive entries but this one stood out in its stylish simplicity. It effectively targeted its young audience with appropriate visuals and copy while also providing advertis-ers with a suitable venue to highlight their services.

Award A11a, Individual Excellence- Writer/Editor, First Place, Clarion Herald, New Orleans, La.

Page 18 The Catholic Journalist June 2009

S1aBest News Writing Local/Regional EventFirst Place El Mensajero Catolico, Rochester, N.Y., “Grupo De Vigi-lancia Busca Justicia Para Los Trabajadores Migrantes” by Annette Jimenez The article succeeds in analyzing the thorny issue of illegal immigration without resorting to blanket state-ments, and carefully considering various points of view. The quotes from John Ghertner are very powerful, focus-ing mostly on legality and rights. The piece ends with a poignant call to action.Second Place El Pueblo Catolico, Denver, Co., “Toda Una Vida Dedi-cada A El, A Dios” by Rossana Goni The feature discusses the life of Father Prohens, and brings the story to life with quotes from people who knew him and excerpts of his poetry.Third Place El Centinela, Portland, Ore., “Llegar A Ser Ciudadana le Tomo a Ana Alejandre 12 Años” by Rocio Rios The piece provides a fresh look at the difficulties and challenges facing Hispanic immigrants who want to seek legal status. By retracing the steps of Ana Alejandre over a 12-year period, the writer captures the emotional jour-ney that ended the day she became a U.S. citizen.

S1bBest News Writing National/International EventFirst Place El Centinela, Portland, Ore., ”Barack Obama En La His-toria Por El Cambio” by Rocio Rios Well reported. Provides lots of information in a way that doesn’t overwhelm the reader. Great use of tension and characters’ description.Second Place El Centinela, Portland, Ore., “Jaque Mate A Las FARC Con Rescate De Ingrid Betancourt” by Antonio Ardraus Clever use of some fiction writing tools. A few para-graphs were a bit too long.Third Place Mision Columbana, St. Columbans, Neb., “Cambio Cli-matico, Una Crisis En Aumento” by Teresa Polk Some dull phrasing, but very well reported and nice ending.

S2Best Feature StoryFirst Place Revista Maryknoll, Markyknoll, N.Y. “Los Hispanos de Katrina” by David R. Aquije The saga of immigrants who helped rebuild New Orleans only to be displaced themselves when the work dried up. According to the story, the population of Latinos

in the city of New Orleans grew by 50,000 to nearly 250,000 in the aftermath of the city’s devastating hurricane. A well-written feature story in Spanish done for a very profes-sional magazine-style publication. Engaging writing with a strong voice.Second Place El Centinela, Portland, Ore. “Adelante Mujers Ayuda a las Mujeres a Lograr lo que se Proponen” by Rocio Rios A sweet story about a community project by Adelante Mujeres, a group of women who make traditional snacks from Central Mexico, such as Sopes, and sell them in the local Farmer’s Market. A nice feature story for a local Span-ish newspaper.Third Place Chicago Catolico, Chicago, Ill. “Pinatas de esperanza en Centro Comunitario Juan Diego” by Clemente Nicado & Karen Callaway Piñata’s of Hope is an inspiring story about a cooperative created by a group of women, started in the basement of the Juan Diego Community Center. Their cleverly designed Piñatas depict a wide range of characters and have sold well in South Chicago.

S3Best EditorialFirst Place El Pregonero, Washington, D.C., “El Presente Es Un Regalo” by Rafael Roncal An eloquent call to make the moment count, even as we

Spanish Award Winners

June 2009 The Catholic Journalist Page 19

Spanish Award Winners

sit down to Thanksgiving given very uncertain economic times. The writer takes well-worn themes about Thanks-giving and how grateful we should be, but he effectively employs them to make us remember what matters every day.Second Place El Centinela, Portland, Ore., “Familias Desintegradas Un Año Despues De La Redada En Portland” by Rocio Rios, A very strong editorial that connects the emotions of families who were ripped apart by an immigration raid. Her thoughts well organized and she is able to draw a clear picture of the pain families are living and subtly urges us not to forget and to push for reform.Third Place El Pregonero, Washington, D.C., “Adios Al Defensor Del Pueblo” by Rafael Roncal I loved this editorial. It’s language and sentiment are lovely. He uses the death of Tim Russert to discuss his journalistic legacy that sought justice and served the com-munity. Mr. Roncal puts readers in a better frame of mind than when they started reading. That’s the best a reader can ask for.

S4aBest Column General CommentaryFirst Place Catholic New Service, Washington, D.C., “Buscando Vida/Seeking Life” by Moises Sandoval The writer’s writing style is clean and to the point. Each column is personal and insightful, effectively challeng-ing the reader to take a harder look at complex and even seemingly day-to-day events without imposing his own point of view.Second Place NJ Catolico, Newark, N.J., “Retrato De Un Fanatico”, “Marea Alta, Marea Baja”, “Una Persona Mayor” by Padre Pedro Navarro Using an effective literary style and drawing from his own personal experiences, the writer successfully shares with the reader topics they can relate to without overpow-ering them with his own views.Third Place El Catolico de Rhode Island, Providence, R.I., “Temas De Refleccion” by Rev. Hugo Carmona The writer’s conversational tone makes his columns enjoyable and easy to read.

S4bBest Column SpiritualFirst Place NJ Catolico, Newark, N.J., “Unidad, Pas Y Reconcili-acion”, “Pascua, Tiempo De Alegria”, “Maria, Corazon De La Humanidad” by Padre Gregorio Mateu The writer offers in his columns well-grounded insight into topics of deep spiritual concern to Christians today. With each paragraph, and in a very natural and unassum-ing fashion, the writer challenges the reader to confront his or her own perceptions at the light of Biblical truths.Second Place Chicago Catolico, Chicago, Ill. by Fr. Claudio Diaz, Jr. With a clean, well-defined literary style and solidly grounded in Christian truths, the writer challenges read-ers in these columns in a personal and intimate way with-out passing judgment.Third Place Idaho Catholic Register, Boise, Idaho by Adre Enrique Terriquez In a compassionate tone, the writer effectively applies Bible passages to address everyday challenges the readers can relate to. Well written.

S5Best Personality ProfieFirst Place Chicago Catolico, Chicago, Ill. “El ‘Cafe Catolico’ de Abraham Duenas” by Clemente Nicado & Karen Callaway This delightful story features Abraham Dueñas and his Cathedral Café, an Internet café filled with inspiring reli-

gious figures and symbols; a place where people go to pray as well as get online. The writing makes you feel you’ve stepped into this fascinating place, and delivers a capti-vating and entertaining story. Again the writer benefits from working with a photographer who seems to share his vision and succeeds in illustrating the story with her images.Second Place El Centinela, Portland, Ore. “Ramon Ramires ha Luchado 36 Ano por el Respeto al Campesino” by Maria Osterroth A powerful profile of Ramon Ramirez, who has spent the better part of his life fighting for the rights and dignity of immigrants. The writer does an excellent job of condens-ing 36 years of battles, some that nearly cost him his life, to demonstrate how this leader in his community has risked everything to help a community of immigrants. The journalist did a great job of capturing Ramon’s spirit with great questions and an engaging writing style.Third Place Chicago Catolico, Chicago, Ill. “Cuando la Justicia Comienza por un Parque” by Clemente Nicado & Karen Callaway This compelling profile focuses on the efforts of Samuel VillaSenor, a 23-year-old graduate of Loyola University, to improve the lives of young Hispanics by creating a neigh-borhood park and community gardens in a community of 95,000 residents. The writer captures the intensity of Vil-laSenor’s efforts, and how he sees his quest as a matter of life and death; an effort to prevent kids in the community from falling into gangs or other violent activities, as well as to help the environment and provide a healthy place for families to gather in an otherwise heavily industrial area. The article is inspiring, well written, and brings the neighborhood to life with illustrations of the challenges, as well as some of the key players who have helped make the community aware of the need for a park. The photos provide a great complement to the writing and make this the winner.

S6Best In Depth AnalysisFirst Place El Mensajero Catolico, Rochester, N.Y., “Familia Con-sidera Tratamiento Para El Parkinson Una Bendicion” by Annette Jimenez The article insightfully combines elements of both faith and science to create a compelling portrait. The result is a piece that both inspires and informs, maintaining the reader connected to the rousing story of the featured indi-vidual and the latest breakthroughs in medical treatment.Second Place El Pregonero, Washington, D.C., “Ecien Llegados Se Aferran Al ‘Sueño Americano’” by Andrea Acosta The writer traces the footsteps of recent immigrants, and reminds the reader of the inherent difficulties of life in a foreign country. The piece boldly relies on quotes from the interviewees without making any changes, thereby making the story come alive for a Spanish-speaker through jargon.Third Place El Pregonero, Washington, D.C., “Servicios De Salud Son Impagables Para Muchos En El Area Metropolitana” by Luisa Fernanda Montero The piece explores a problem that is rarely mentioned in the mainstream media, and does so in a humble tone that keeps the focus on the prospective patient, and steers clear of any sweeping conclusions. In the end, the piece serves a useful purpose on educating the reader on the intricacies of the health care system for those who have recently arrived to the United States.

S7Best Lead ArticleFirst Place El Pregonero, Washington, D.C., “El Aporte De Los Inmigrantes Afrolatino” by Carlos Ramirez Topic that hasn’t been covered enough. Provides lots of facts and new data, adding a human touch in an informa-tive and well structured waySecond Place El Centinela, Portland, Ore., “Victimas De La Redada Un Año Despues” by Rocio Rios

Good effort to raise awareness of an ongoing problem

S9Best Web SiteFirst Place El Pregonero, Washington, D.C., www.elpreg.org by El Pregonero Staff, An informative website that is easy to navigate with many relevant links for community to act. An improvement would be enhanced visual galleries and visual appeal of the siteSecond Place El Centinela, Portland, Ore., www.elcentinelacatolico.org by Rocio Rios, Antonio Amdraus, and Maria Osterroth, Nice content and form. Show even more going on in the community.Third Place Mision Columbana, St. Columbans, Neb., www.columba-nos.org by Manny Vargas, This is a beautiful website that has no news for the com-munity but is an effective advertisement for the order..S10Individual Excellence Writer/Editor First Place El Mensajero Catolico, Rochester, N.Y. by Annette Jimenez This reporter showed excellent enterprise reporting skills in her body of work. She tackled Parkinson’s disease, writ-ing clear explanatory paragraphs in a heart-felt story about a musician stricken at a young age. She also thoroughly reported on immigration and border patrol agents intimi-dating parishioners from attending church services. Her stories were multifaceted, good reads.Second Place Chicago Catolico, Chicago, Ill. by Clemente Nicado & Karen Callaway I loved the story about the parish priest who counsels a mother distraught over the death of her son in Iraq, then enlists himself as a chaplain the war zone. All of Mr. Nica-do’s stories were thoroughly reported and finely written. The archdiocese is lucky to have him.Third Place El Centinela, Portland, Ore., “Deportada A Guatemala y Ahora de Regreso en Portland” by Rocio Rios All around excellent work. Her commentary and reporting is very strong. Excellent work on the story about the young woman who is deported to Guatemala, but after years of fighting is able to return to the U.S. This report displayed Ms. Rios’ tenacity and credibility.

S11General ExcellenceFirst Place Chicago Catolico, Chicago, Ill. Chicago Católico won this extremely competitive category because it has a very authentic feel. It seems to connect well to its audience, features mostly stories about laypeople making a difference in their communities and bringing Christ’s example to their lives and to others. Reporter Clemente Nicado is hardworking, photographer Karen Cal-laway has a gifted eye and the various columnists add a touches of wisdom.Second Place El Progonero, Washington, D.C. A well-edited, cleanly designed diocesan publication. It features a good mix of locally produced stories and EFE and Catholic News Service content. Some of the photos were textbook “Don’ts” for journalism, but that is a minor issue. It is a beautiful and substantive newspaper.Third Place El Centinela, Portland, Ore. A very close third is El Centinela. It’s a blessing that Portland has such an outstanding Spanish-language dioc-esan newspaper. The paper features a lot of significant, multilayered stories about the immigrant experience. It features more pictures and stories of lay Catholics, which I think is the way it should be. It also excels at delivering locally produced stories.